Marijuana legalization acts around the U.S., world

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Jamaica lawmakers on Feb. 24, 2015, passed an act to decriminalize small amounts of pot and establish a licensing agency to regulate a lawful medical marijuana industry on the island. In this Aug. 28, 2014 file photo, legalization advocate and reggae legend Bunny Wailer smokes a pipe stuffed with marijuana during a reasoning session in a yard in Kingston, Jamaica. less

Jamaica lawmakers on Feb. 24, 2015, passed an act to decriminalize small amounts of pot and establish a licensing agency to regulate a lawful medical marijuana industry on the island. In this Aug. 28, 2014 ... more

Rica Madrid poses for a photograph as she smokes pot in her home on the first day of legal possession of marijuana for recreational purposes, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, in Washington D.C.. Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser defied threats from Congress by implementing a voter-approved initiative on Thursday, making the city the only place east of the Mississippi River where people can legally grow and share marijuana in private. less

Rica Madrid poses for a photograph as she smokes pot in her home on the first day of legal possession of marijuana for recreational purposes, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, in Washington D.C.. Democratic Mayor Muriel ... more

Photo: Alex Brandon, AP

Rica Madrid poses for a photograph as she smokes pot in her home on... Photo-7601743.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Peter Lomonaco, co-founder of the Alaska Cannabis Club, and CEO Charlo Greene share a joint at their medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, Alaska became the third state in the nation to activate a law legalizing marijuana possession and homegrown. less

In this Feb. 20, 2015 photo, Peter Lomonaco, co-founder of the Alaska Cannabis Club, and CEO Charlo Greene share a joint at their medical marijuana dispensary in Anchorage, Alaska. On Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015, ... more

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, center, holds Haley Smith, 14, from White Stone, Va., on his lap and smiles at Haley's mom, Lisa, right, after signing HB1445 and SB1235, the bills that allow the possession of marijuana oils to help treat patients with epilepsy, during a ceremony in the Governor's conference room at the state Capitol in Richmond, Va., Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015. One of the bill patrons, Sen. Dave W. Marsden, D-Fairfax, is just behind McAuliffe. Virginian Haley Smith and her family were one of many lobbying for the right to use medical marijuana. less

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, center, holds Haley Smith, 14, from White Stone, Va., on his lap and smiles at Haley's mom, Lisa, right, after signing HB1445 and SB1235, the bills that allow the possession of ... more

Photo: Peter Zuckerman, who handled publicity for Ballot Measure 91, which legalizes the recreational use of marijuana in Oregon, hugs a supporter of the measure after it passed Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014, at Holocene night club in Portland, Ore. (AP Photo/The Oregonian, Madeline Stone)

Photo: Boxes containing more than 46,000 signatures for an initiative to make recreational use of marijuana legal in Alaska sit outside a hallway at the state Division of Elections office in Anchorage, Alaska.

Photo: Adam Eidinger, co-owner of Capitol Hemp is a leader in the push to fully legalize the home cultivation of up to six plants by adults 21 or older, along with possession of up to two ounces and transfer of up to an ounce at a time "without remuneration" in Washington D.C.. He was at the after-party for the Yes on 71 event at the Meridian Pint bar as early returns were in favor of the proposition. (Photo by Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

The nation's capital legalized it in the 2014 November... Photo-7103756.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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As The Huffington Post reports, Voters in Guam approved a ballot initiative today that would legalize marijuana for “debilitating medical conditions” such as epilepsy, HIV, cancer and glaucoma. The bill, which passed by more than 56 percent, makes Guam the first U.S. territory to legalize medical pot.

As The Huffington Post reports, Voters in Guam approved a ballot initiative today that would legalize marijuana for “debilitating medical conditions” such as epilepsy, HIV, cancer and glaucoma. The bill,

The Marijuana Policy Project added in a news release: South Portland, Maine voters approved a measure 52-48 making it the second city on the East Coast — and the second major city in Maine — to make marijuana legal for adults at the local level. less

The news from MLive.com: Marijuana decriminalization measures passed in six Michigan municipalities in Tuesday’s election, while five others denied similar measures.

For instance,
in Metro Detroit, voters in Huntington Woods and Berkley approved city charter amendments that would lift local bans on the possession, transfer and transportation of less than an ounce of marijuana by a person above 21 years old. The marijuana must be on private property not used in public.

City of Philadelphia decriminalized marijuana possession on Oct.1. Mayor Michael Nutter is shown in the above screen grab from the city's Twitter feed signing in a new day for Philadelphia's cannabis enthusiasts ...

On the Medical marijuana front - Minnesota, in late May, became the 22nd state (and D.C.) to legalize some form of medical marijuana. The state's rules are the strictest of the lot and only allow for oils (no flowers, edibles or the like) vaped or in pill form. The law also only allows two dispensaries to operate in the state.

On the Medical marijuana front - Minnesota, in late May, became the 22nd state (and D.C.) to legalize some form of medical marijuana. The state's rules are the strictest of the lot and only allow for oils (no

Medical marijuana system - On April 14, 2014, Maryland became the 21 state to create a medical marijuana system.

Gov. Martin O'Malley today signed into law HB 88:

The Gov.'s announced list of bills signed describes the law this way: “Altering the purpose of the Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Marijuana Commission to include approval of physicians, development of a Web site, establishment of an application review process, and issuance of medical marijuana grower licenses; authorizing a medical marijuana grower to distribute marijuana at specified facilities; identifying patients and caregivers; requiring the Commission to report to the General Assembly on the level of competition in the market for medical marijuana on or before December 1, 2015 … “

Gov. O'Malley also signed a decriminalization bill in April making Maryland the 18th state to have decriminalized marijuana possession (with Wash. and Colo. de facto decriminalizing via creation of legal market), according to the Marijuana Policy Project.

The Gov.'s announced list of bills signed describes the law this way: “Making the use or possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana a civil rather than a criminal offense; establishing that a person who violates the Act may be issued a citation; establishing fines; requiring a court to order a specified person who has committed a third or subsequent violation of the Act to appear in court and to attend a specified drug education program; requiring a court to refer the person for assessment for substance abuse disorder and to refer the person for substance abuse treatment if necessary … “ less

Gov. O'Malley also signed a decriminalization bill in April making Maryland the 18th state to have decriminalized marijuana possession (with Wash. and Colo. de facto decriminalizing via creation of legal

Gov. O'Malley also signed a decriminalization bill in April... Photo-6165625.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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Before Maryland approved medical marijuana ...

With Governor Pat Quinn’s signature on Aug. 1, 2013, Illinois became the 20th state to legalize medical marijuana, reported High Times. The Illinois Senate approved the medical cannabis initiative last month. The Illinois medical marijuana law is considered one of the strictest in the nation. The law considers 42 conditions to be eligible for treatment with cannabis – including cancer, MS, and HIV/AIDS.

Photo: Police officer Scott Hardy outside New Trier Township High, on permanent assignment to school where three-fifths of student body smoke marijuana, re rise in pot use among children of baby boomers.

Qualified patients will now be allowed to posses up to two ounces of pot in New Hampshire, The Associated Press reported. Marijuana must be obtained from one of the four licensed dispensaries established under the law. Each dispensary will be authorized to store up to six ounces of pot per qualified patient.

Connecticut’s HB 5389 was signed into law by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy on May 31, 2012.

''A qualifying patient shall register with the Department of Consumer Protection... prior to engaging in the palliative use of marijuana. A qualifying patient who has a valid registration certificate... shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner,... or denied any right or privilege,'' the law states.

Photo: American writer and humourist Mark Twain (1835 - 1910) at Stormfield, his home in Redding, Connecticut, 21st December 1908.

Connecticut’s HB 5389 was signed into law by Gov. Dannel P.... Photo-5006433.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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Massachusetts had Ballot Question 3 and approved it in 2012 by 63 percent.

''The citizens of Massachusetts intend that there should be no punishment under state law for qualifying patients, physicians and health care professionals, personal caregivers for patients, or medical marijuana treatment center agents for the medical use of marijuana...''

Photo: Protest signs can be seen at this booth set up during the 1998 ''Freedom Rally'' held at the Boston Common, Boston, MA on October 3, 1998.

Massachusetts had Ballot Question 3 and approved it in 2012 by 63... Photo-5006434.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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In Delaware, Senate Bill 17 was signed into law by Gov. Jack Markell in 2011.

Under this law, a patient is only protected from arrest if his or her physician certifies, in writing, that the patient has a specified debilitating medical condition and that the patient would receive therapeutic benefit from medical marijuana. The patient must send a copy of the written certification to the state Department of Health and Social Services, and the Department will issue an ID card after verifying the information. As long as the patient is in compliance with the law, there will be no arrest.

The law does not allow patients or caregivers to grow marijuana at home, but it does allow for the state-regulated, non-profit distribution of medical marijuana by compassion centers, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

In Delaware, Senate Bill 17 was signed into law by Gov. Jack... Photo-5006435.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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District of Columbia did it with the ''Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Amendment Act of 2010.'' It was approved 13-0 by the Council of the District of Columbia on May 4, 2010; signed by the Mayor on May 21, 2010, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

District of Columbia did it with the ''Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Amendment Act of 2010.'' It was approved 13-0 by the Council of the District of Columbia on May 4, 2010; signed by the

District of Columbia did it with the ''Legalization of... Photo-5006436.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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In Arizona, Ballot Proposition 203 - ''Arizona Medical Marijuana Act'' - was approved in 2010 by 50.13 percent of voters. 203 allows registered qualifying patients (who must have a physician's written certification that they have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition and that they would likely receive benefit from marijuana) to obtain marijuana from a registered nonprofit dispensary, and to possess and use medical marijuana to treat the condition, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

That law protects ''patients who use marijuana to alleviate suffering from debilitating medical conditions, as well as their physicians, primary caregivers, and those who are authorized to produce marijuana for medical purposes'' from ''arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal and other penalties,'' according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Photo: Cheryl Miller(2nd-L) from Silverton, NJ, severely disabled by Multiple Sclerosis, is given marijuana to chew by her husband Jim(L)as they participate in a protest against anti-medicinal marijuana legislation, in the doorway of US Rep. Jim Rogan's,R-CA, Capitol Hill office 30 March in Washington, DC. Rogan's office was targeted because he voted for favorable legislation in 1995.

New Mexico went full steam for ''The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act'' in 2007. That act removes state-level criminal penalties on the use and possession of marijuana by patients ''in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments.''

The New Mexico Department of Health designated to administer the program and register patients, caregivers, and providers, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

New Mexico went full steam for ''The Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act'' in 2007. That act removes state-level criminal penalties on the use and possession of marijuana by patients ''in a regulated system for

Montana voters said yes to Initiative 148 by a 62 percent margin in 2004. However, the state legislature has significantly dialed back the law and cut out many medical card holders as well as shutting down operations.

Photo: Medical marijuana user Angel Raich speaks to students at the University of Montana during a marijuana rights demonstration April 20, 2007 in Missoula, Montana.

Montana voters said yes to Initiative 148 by a 62 percent margin in 2004. However, the state legislature has significantly dialed back the law and cut out many medical card holders as well as shutting down

Before there was legalization of recreational maryjane in Colorado, there was Ballot Amendment 20. It was approved by 54 percent of voters
in 2000.

BA20 removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and advising that they ''might benefit from the medical use of marijuana,'' according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Before there was legalization of recreational maryjane in... Photo-5006444.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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Hawaii’s Senate Bill 862 became law in 2000.

It removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a signed statement from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and that the ''potential benefits of medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks.'' The law establishes a mandatory, confidential state-run patient registry that issues identification cards to qualifying patients, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Nevada approved Ballot Question 9 in 2000 by 65 percent of voters. The measure removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who have ''written documentation'' from their physician that marijuana may alleviate his or her condition, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

However, the ballot issue didn’t provide for dispensaries. Consequently, as The Huffington Post reported earlier this year, Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval signed into law a measure establishing the framework to make pot available to medical marijuana card holders, and imposes fees and requirements for growers, processors and dispensaries. It also contains provisions to continue to allow home-growing until 2016.

Photo: Shelby Chong, Ralphie May and Wilmer Valderrama wait for Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong to emerge from a prop bag of marijuana at their roast at The Comedy Festival at Caesars Palace November 21, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

That law removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess an oral or written ''professional opinion'' from their physician that he or she ''might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.'' The law does not establish a state-run patient registry, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Alaska legalized pot for medical use in 1998 with Ballot Measure 8. It was approved by 58 percent of voters. That law removed state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they ''might benefit from the medical use of marijuana,'' according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Alaska legalized pot for medical use in 1998 with Ballot Measure 8. It was approved by 58 percent of voters. That law removed state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana

Oregon was among the first to get hot for medical pot with Ballot Measure 67 in 1998, that law was approved by 55 percent of voters. 67 removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a signed recommendation from their physician stating that marijuana ''may mitigate'' his or her debilitating symptoms, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Oregon was among the first to get hot for medical pot with Ballot Measure 67 in 1998, that law was approved by 55 percent of voters. 67 removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and

Oregon was among the first to get hot for medical pot with Ballot... Photo-5006449.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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Washington joined Oregon early on in 1998 to adopt medical marijuana with Ballot Initiative I-692 by 59 percent. Now, of course, we’ve got I-502 on the books.

Washington joined Oregon early on in 1998 to adopt medical marijuana with Ballot Initiative I-692 by 59 percent. Now, of course, we’ve got I-502 on the books.

Photo: Stephen Brashear, Getty Images

Washington joined Oregon early on in 1998 to adopt medical... Photo-5006450.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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The leader of the pack:

Californians passed Ballot Proposition 215 in 1996 by 56 percent. 215 removed state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a ''written or oral recommendation'' from their physician that he or she ''would benefit from medical marijuana.'' Patients diagnosed with any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been ''deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician'' are afforded legal protection under this act, according to procon.org, a nonprofit organization tracking marijuana laws and other controversial issues in America.

Uruguay:
Uruguay’s lower house on July 31, 2013, approved a sweeping bill to legalize marijuana, opening the way for the authorities to create one of Latin America’s most ambitious nationwide endeavors in overhauling drug policy.

That country's Senate and president approved the bill making Uruguay the first nation to create a legal market for growing and selling marijuana.

As the Associated Press reports: In Mexico, where tens of thousands have been killed in drug war violence in the past seven years, there is no general push to legalize or regulate marijuana for recreational use. But in more liberal Mexico City, a metropolis of 8 million, lawmakers have introduced a measure to allow stores to sell up to 5 grams of pot. The plan has the mayor's support but could set up a fight with the federal government. Small amounts of marijuana and other drugs have been decriminalized in Mexico since 2009.

Photo: Mexican soldiers burn marijuana plants found amid a field of blue agave - the plant used for tequila, Jalisco State, Mexico.

Jamaica has been making more noise lately to join the ranks of... Photo-6165626.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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The first nation to go down the decriminalization road was ...

Portugal in 2001 became the first European country to officially abolish all criminal penalties for personal possession of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. A Cato Institute study on Portugal law found that in the five years after personal possession was decriminalized, reports Time Magazine, illegal drug use among teens in Portugal declined and rates of new HIV infections caused by sharing of dirty needles dropped, while the number of people seeking treatment for drug addiction more than doubled.

''Judging by every metric, decriminalization in Portugal has been a resounding success,'' Glenn Greenwald, an attorney, author and fluent Portuguese speaker, who conducted the research, told Time. ''It has enabled the Portuguese government to manage and control the drug problem far better than virtually every other Western country does.''

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has strongly opposed any effort to decriminalize marijuana. Now, opposition Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau has made headlines with two British Columbia speeches saying that he wants the forbidden weed legalized, taxed and regulated.

The Liberals have been running ahead of Harper’s scandal-hobbled Conservative Party in national polls.

''I’m actually not in favor of decriminalizing cannabis, I’m in favor of legalizing it,'' Trudeau, a member of parliament from Quebec, told a rally in Kelowna.

The Dutch, who thirty-plus years ago pioneered the legal regulation of retail sales of marijuana through the ''coffeeshop'' system, may now be inspired by Colorado, Washington and Uruguay to fully legalize and regulate the industry.

However, that country has first tried to scale back access ... it's not working.

As the Associated Press reports: The Netherlands has long had some of the most liberal cannabis laws. Hoping to keep pot users away from dealers of harder drugs, the country in the late 1970s began allowing "coffee shops" to sell marijuana, which remains technically illegal. Since 2012 the federal government has clamped down, briefly requiring people to obtain a "weed pass" to buy cannabis and banning sales to tourists. Some cities, including Amsterdam, have declined to ban sales to tourists, however, and mayors of 35 cities have banded together to call for the legalization of marijuana growing.

The Dutch, who thirty-plus years ago pioneered the legal regulation of retail sales of marijuana through the ''coffeeshop'' system, may now be inspired by Colorado, Washington and Uruguay to fully legalize and

Colorado’s Amendment 64 legalized the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and establishes a legal market for growing and selling cannabis. (See the gallery below: ''19 things you need to know about legal marijuana'' for more information.)

Washington Initiative 502 legalized the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and establishes a legal market for growing and selling cannabis. (See the gallery below: ''19 things you need to know about legal marijuana'' for more information.)

Washington Initiative 502 legalized the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana and establishes a legal market for growing and selling cannabis. (See the gallery below: ''19 things you need to know about

At least five initiatives for creating a legal recreation market are heading to voters for signatures at this point.

Arizona - Safer Arizona is sponsoring an initiative to amend the state constitution to allow for legal, taxed, and regulated marijuana/cannabis/industrial hemp use and commerce. Our group filed the measure in June 2013 with the secretary of state. It now aims to get 300,000 valid voter signatures by July 3, 2014 to qualify for the November 2014 ballot.

Safer Arizona has until July 3 to get the 259,213 signatures needed to get marijuana legalization on this year’s ballot.

As reported in the Cronkite News: If it fails (which seems likely this year), the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project, which was behind the effort to bring medical marijuana to Arizona, is gearing up for campaign here in 2016, when a presidential election will boost voter turnout.

As reported in the Alaska Dispatch: The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol in Alaska is pushing recent poll numbers that indicate perceptions of the ballot initiative are remaining steady. ...

"Alaskans are clearly fed up with the failed policies of marijuana prohibition and believe it’s time for a more sensible approach," said Chris Rempert, political director for the campaign, in a statement. "The poll results reflect momentum and support we are seeing on the ground for regulating marijuana like alcohol in Alaska."

In late February, the state certified the initiative for the August primary election.

The proposal would make it legal for those 21 and older to use and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, though not in public. It also would set out provisions for legal grow operations and establish an excise tax. less

Oregon – While considered the most likely the next state after Alaska to set up a legal marijuana market, it has competition.

So far, Oregon voters are being chased down for signatures to put at least one of three potential measures on the November ballot, as reported by the Associated Press in early March.

One would amend the state constitution to decriminalize pot use, and the other, the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, would create a commission for regulating marijuana cultivation, processing and sales.

Those efforts face competition from the better-funded group New Approach Oregon, which is pushing a measure that leaves the constitution alone and gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission the job of regulating marijuana like it does alcohol.

Oregon – While considered the most likely the next state after... Photo-5006428.67656 - Houston Chronicle

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Arkansas:As reported in the Arkansas Times: Attorney General Dustin McDaniel yesterday released an opinion rejecting the wording for a proposed ballot initiative which would allow voters to decide whether to end the state's legal prohibition of marijuana.

It marks the seventh time dating back to 2011 that the office rejected similar measures, but Robert Reed, chair of the group Arkansans for Medical Cannabis, told me they would keep trying.

To be clear, this measure would completely legalize the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale and use of marijuana and products derived from marijuana — not just for medical use. Two separate ballot initiatives to legalize marijuana for medical purposes have been approved by McDaniel — one from the group Arkansans for Responsible Medicine and another from the group Arkansans for Compassionate Care. The groups are now attempting to collect signatures to get the measures on the 2014 ballot.

Arkansas:As reported in the Arkansas Times: Attorney General Dustin McDaniel yesterday released an opinion rejecting the wording for a proposed ballot initiative which would allow voters to decide whether to

Members of the newly formed Wyoming chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws are launching a campaign to legalize marijuana in the state through a ballot initiative.

The group is aiming to get the initiative on the 2016 statewide ballot, according to Christine Christian, its executive director.

Christian, of Jackson, said getting a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana in Wyoming will be difficult, but she said public opinion toward marijuana has shifted rapidly in the past several years. She added many Wyomingites have strong libertarian attitudes that could look favorably on their cause.

Barring a miracle, California will not vote on marijuana legalization this year.

“The voters of California expected to see legalization on the 2014 ballot and we know they are ready for it,” Dave Hodges, a proponent of the Marijuana Control, Legalization & Revenue Act, told us for another story.

“We as a medical marijuana community have let the entire state of California down.”

California will have to wait until 2016 to legalize use of marijuana as two relevant initiatives will not make it on the 2014 ballot.